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Using an Airless Sprayer Safely

Airless sprayers are fast and efficient because they supply pressures of up to 3,000 pounds per square inch. This force moves the paint at 100 to 200 miles an hour through the spray tip. All that power can be dangerous. Consequently, treat an airless sprayer with lots of respect, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Use the following precautions to prevent accident or injury:

Keep the spray gun’s safety lock on when you’re not painting.

Make sure the spray gun has a trigger guard and a safety shield around its tip.

If the spray tip becomes clogged, do not try to clear it by pressing your finger on it while the paint is being sprayed. Keep your fingers away from the tip when the sprayer is operating.

Never point the gun at anyone else or allow anyone to point it at you.

Always turn the sprayer off and disconnect it from its electrical source before you clean out the gun or the sprayer’s filters. Even then, if you have to clean the tip, squeeze the trigger to release any built-up pressure in the hose.

Only work in a well-ventilated area, wear a painters’ mask to avoid inhaling fumes, and don’t smoke or work around open flames. If you’re working outside, don’t leave containers of solvents sitting in the hot sun; put them in the garage or another shady spot.